Log slasher

ABSTRACT

A log slasher having first conveyor delivering logs transversely of lengths to second conveyor which moves logs longitudinally of lengths. Transfer unit moves logs sequentially from first conveyor to second conveyor in response to predetermined movement of each preceding log. Washer and cutter assembly actuated in response to movement of each log to wash and then cut logs into predetermined lengths whereupon cut lengths then removed from second conveyor.

United States Patent [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 609,474 12/1926 Jacobson......................

[72] lnventor MarvinC.Dobbs Fayette, Ala.

[21] AppLNo. 847,887

[22] Filed Aug. 6, 1969 [45] Patented Sept. 14, 1971 [73] Assignees The Dobbs Co.;

Alco Machine Shops, Incorporated, part interest to each ABSTRACT: A log slasher having first conveyor delivering [54] L0G SLASHER logs transversely of lengths to second conveyor which moves 1 Claim, 3 Drawing Figs.

logs longitudinallyof lengths. Transfer unit moves logs sequentially from first conveyor to second conveyor in response to predetermined movement of each preceding log. Washer and cutter assembly actuated in response to move- L o y e V n o c 0 6 NA N .1 2 bB 73% 24 B u 5, u n r m m m C d L d h m.. 1. l 1 0 5 5 .1

n zsr aryjm a OJ PATENTED SEPI 4 I97] SNEEI 1 [IF 2 INVENTOR. Marv/n 6 0015155 Altar/2e gs L06 SLASHER BACKGROUND or THE INVENTION This invention relates to a log slasher and more particularly to apparatus for sequentially feeding, washing and cutting logs into predetermined lengths.

As is well known in the art to which my invention relates, difficulties have been encountered in cutting logs into predetermined lengths, such as lengths for use in making pulpwood. It is very difficult to handle the logs individually due to the fact that the sawing apparatus has to be moved from one position to another and it has been difficult to saw the logs into exact lengths with such apparatus. Also, such logs are often covered with dirt and other debris which dull or cause damage to the sawing apparatus. Furthermore, apparatus heretofore employed has been time consumingand requires a large space for receiving the logs prior to being cut, thus necessitating a substantial amount of movement of the logs prior to being cut into lengths for pulpwood or the like.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with my present invention, 1 provide a log slasher having afirst conveyor for delivering logs transversely of their lengths to a second conveyor which in turn moves the logs longitudinally of their length. A transfer unit is mounted between the two conveyors for moving the logs sequentially from the first conveyor to the second conveyor in' response to a predetermined amount of movement of each preceding log whereby the preceding log is replaced sequentially with another log. A washer assembly and a cutter assembly are .mounted along the second conveyor and are actuated in the line 33 of FIG. 1.

Referring now to the drawings for a better understanding of my inventioml show a plurality of spiral conveyor units 10 which are mounted on elongated shaftlike members 11.

Sprocket and chain assemblies, indicated generally at 12, operatively connect the shaftlike members 11 to each other andjto a driving motor 13 whereby all of the shaftlike mem- .bers l l and their spiral conveyors 10 are driven toward an upwardly inclined conveyor unit indicated generally at 16.

As shown in FIG. 1, the upwardly inclined conveyor unit 16 comprises a plurality of spaced-apart, endless conveyor elements 17. Each conveyor element 17 is provided with spacedapart, outwardly projecting log-engaging members 18 whereby the'logs 14 are elevated from the discharge ends of the shaftlike conveyor members 11 and are delivered to the receiving end of an elongated, horizontally extending conveyor unit 19 which also comprises endless conveyor chains 21 having outwardly projecting log-engaging members 22. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the log-engaging members 18 and 22 engage the logs l4 and move. the same forward in a direction transversely of the lengths thereof.

The discharge ends of the endless conveyors 17 and the receiving ends of the endless conveyors 21 are supported by an elongated shaft 23 which is propelled by a suitable motor 24, as shown in FIG. 1. The receiving ends of the endless conveyors 17 are supported by short shaft members 26 carried by elongated side members 27 extending along opposite sides of the endless conveyor 17. The upper ends of the elongated side members 27 are supported by the shaft 23 while the lower portions thereof are supported by vertical supports 28, as shown in FIG. 2. The discharge ends ofthe endless conveyors 21 are supported by an elongated shaft 29. As-sho'wn in FIG. 1, elongated side members 31 extend along opposite sides of each of the endless conveyors 21. Accordingly, the side members 27 and 31 define log support members while the logs 14 are moved transversely of their lengths by the outwardly projecting log-engaging members 18 and 22. The shaft members 23 and 29 are supported by suitable frame members 32 and 33, respectively, as shown in FIG. 2.

Mounted adjacent the discharge end of the conveyor unit 19 is an elongated supporting frame 34. Upstanding pairs of brackets 36 are carried by the frame 34 at spaced-apart intervals, as shown in FIG. 1, for receiving the inner ends of outwardly projecting, log transfer members 37. Suitable pivot pins 38 pivotally connect the inner ends of the log transfer members 37 to the support brackets 36. An elongated boxlike beam 39 connects the log transfer members 37 to each other,

as shown in FIG. 1 whereby all log transfer members 37 move together. Other log transfer members 37a are secured to the box beam 39 between the log transfer members 37 so that the apparatus is adapted to handle logs of various lengths. The center log transfer member 37 is provided with a depending bracket 41, as shown in FIG. 2 for receiving a pivot pin 42 which in turn is connected to a piston rod 43 of a fluid-pressure-operated cylinder 44. The cylinder 44 is pivotally connected to an upstanding support bracket 46, as shown. Upon actuating the fluid-pressure-operated cylinder 44, the log transfer members 37 and 37a move as a unit from the position shown in FIG. 2 to thus transfer a log from the log transfer members onto a second conveyor assembly indicated generally at 47. As clearly shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface of each log transfer member 37 is of a generally V-shape whereby a log is adapted to remain on the transfer members until the transfer members are pivoted by the fluid-pressureoperated cylinder 44. v

The elongated conveyor assembly 47 is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart rollers 48 which are adapted to convey logs longitudinally of their lengths. The rollers 48are driven by suitable chain and sprocket drives indicated generally-at 49. A suitable motor 51 is operatively connected to the sprocket and chain drives 49, as shown in FIG. 1. Mounted on the conveyor frame 34, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is a washer housing 52 having a plurality of angularly spaced discharge nozzles 53 which extend inwardly of the housing 52in position to spray water onto a log as it is conveyed through the housing 52. Water is supplied to the housing 52 by a suitable conduit 54 and the supply of water is regulated by a control valve 56.

Mounted alongside the conveyor housing 34 in spaced relation to the washer housing 52 is a cutter unit indicated generally at 57. Preferably, the cutter unit is in the form of a chain saw 58 which is adapted to move from the dotted line position shown in FIG. 2 to the solid line position. The chain saw 58 is driven by a suitable motor unit 59 which is rigidly connected to a shaft 61 mounted in suitable bearings 62 and supported by a frame 63. Secured to the shaft 61 is a depending bracket 64 which is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 65 to a piston rod 66 of a fluid-pressure-operated cylinder 67. Accordingly, by actuating the fluid pressure cylinder 67, the chain saw 58 is moved selectively to the dotted line position and the solid line position shown in FIG. 2 to thus cut a subjacent log carried by the conveyor 47 transversely of its length.

As shown in FIG. 1, the log transfer members 37a each carry an upstanding switch element 68 which is adapted to be engaged by a log 14 upon movement of the log into the V- shaped recess provided along the upper edges of the log transfer members 37 and 37a. The switch element 68 is operatively connected to the motor 24 whereby upon movement of the log transfer members 37 and 37a to a position to discharge a log carried thereby onto the conveyor unit 47, the switch element 68 energizes motor 24 to thus cause the conveyors 16 and 19 to propel the logs 14 forwardly in a direction transversely of the lengths thereof to thus position the forwardmost log 14 into the V-shape recess carried by the log transfer members 37 and 37a.

A switch element 69 is carried by the frame 34 in position to indicate the presence of a log 14 on the rollers 48 opposite the conveyor unit 19. Accordingly, upon movement of a log 14 from the log receiving position or forwardly of the switch element 69, the fluid-pressure-operated cylinder 44 is energized to thus move the log transfer members 37 and 37a toward logdischarging position to thus position another log onto the rollers 48 whereupon it depresses the switch element 69 to prevent the next log from being deposited onto the rollers 48 until the preceding log has passed the switch element 69.

A switch element 71 is mounted on the frame 34 in position to engage the forward end of a log 14 as it approaches the washer housing 52 whereupon the valve 56 is opened to introduce water into the housing 52 to thus wash the log as it passes through the housing 52. A switch element 72 is carried by the housing 34 in position to engage the log and close the valve 56 after the log disengages switch element 72.

To cut the logs 14 into predetermined lengths, l mount a transverse member 73 on a shaft 74 whereby the member 73 is adapted for pivotal movement as a log 14 engages the same. A switch element 76 is mounted on the frame 34 in position to be actuated upon pivotal movement of the member 73. The switch element 76 is operatively connected to the motor 59 for the chain saw 58 and is operatively connected to the actuating mechanism for the fluid-pressure-operated cylinder 67, in a manner well understood in the art, whereby upon engagement of the leading end of the log with the member 73, the switch 76 causes the chain saw 58 to be energized and moved from the dotted line position shown in FIG. 2 to the solid line position. After the log is thus cut into, the log is transferred to another conveyor unit indicated generally at 77 whereby each length of the log is moved immediately upon being sawed into.

The means for transferring the length of log from the rollers 48 to the conveyor unit 77 comprises a pair of movable arms 78 which are rigidly connected to a shaft 79 mounted in suitable bearings 81. The shaft 79 is connected rigidly to a depending bracket 82 which in turn is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 83 to a piston rod 84 of a fluid-pressure-operated cylinder 86. Accordingly, upon actuating the fluid-pressure-operated cylinder 86, the arms 78 are moved upwardly to thus transfer the lengths of log sequentially onto the receiving end of the conveyor unit 77. The fluid-pressure-operated cylinder 86 is operatively connected by suitable control mechanism to the cutter unit 57 whereby upon raising the cutter unit to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 2, the cylinder 86 is actuated to immediately transfer the log length to conveyor unit 77.

From the foregoing description, the operation of my log slasher will be readily understood. The logs are delivered by the spiral conveyors from a suitable source of supply whereupon the logs 14 are then transferred by the conveyor units 16 and 19 sequentially to the log transfer units 37 and 37a. The leading log is then transferred by the log transfer members onto the rollers 48 of the conveyor unit 47 whereupon the log is then conveyed longitudinally of its length toward the washer housing 52. As soon as the preceding log moves past the switch element 69, the fluid-pressure-operated cylinder 44 is energized to move the log transfer members 37 and 37a upwardly to thus position another log onto the rollers 48. So long as the switch elements 68 carried by the log transfer members 37a are depressed by a log, the conveyor units 16 and 19 are deenergized whereby the logs are not conveyed along theseconveyors until the logs supported by the transfer members 37a are discharged from the log transfer members. This cycle of operation is repeated whereby logs 14 are delivered sequentially to the log transfer members 37 and 37a and to the conveyor unit 47.

As each log engages the switch element 71, the valve 56 is opened to introduce water into the washer housing 52 to thus wash the log thoroughly as it passes therethrou h. As the end of the log passing through washer housing 2 disengages switch element 72, the washer control valve 56 is closed until another log actuates switch element 71 whereupon the washing cycle is repeated.

As the leading end of the log-engages the transverse members 73, switch element 76 is energized to thus actuate the fluid-pressure-operated cylinder 67 and the motor 59 whereby the chain saw 58 is driven and moved from the dotted line position shown in FIG. 2 to the solid line position to thus cut the log transversely of its length and at a length equal in distance from the cutter unit 57 to the transverse member 73. As the cutter unit 57 moves to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 2, the fluid-pressure-operated cylinder 86 is actuated to rotate shaft 79 and thus elevate members 78 whereby the length of log supported thereby is transferred to the conveyor unit 77 thus permitting the leading end of the next section of log to move into engagement with the transverse member 73 whereby the cutting cycle is repeated.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that l have devised an improved log slasher. By providing means for delivering logs sequentially in a controlled manner to a washing and cutting unit, the logs are thoroughly washed and then cut into predetermined lengths whereupon they are immediately transferred to another conveyor thus permitting my improved apparatus to operate substantially continuously.

While I have shown my invention in but one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various other changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

1 claim:

1. A log slasher comprising;

a. a first conveyor assembly conveying logs laterally of the lengths thereof from a source of supply,

b. a second conveyor assembly disposed to receive logs from said first conveyor assembly and convey said logs longitudinally of the lengths thereof,

c. a log transfer unit pivotally supported at one side and operable to transfer said logs sequentially from said first conveyor assembly to said second conveyor assembly upon pivotal movement of said transfer unit in response to sequential movement of preceding logs along said second conveyor assembly to predetermined locations,

d. a washer unit mounted in position to surround and wash said logs after they are transferred to said second conveyor assembly,

e.g. cutter assembly mounted along said second conveyor assembly in position to move transversely of and out said logs after being washed into predetermined lengths, and

f. power-actuated transfer arms dispose to engage and remove said predetermined lengths of logs from said second conveyor assembly. 

1. A log slasher comprising; a. a first conveyor assembly conveying logs laterally of the lengths thereof from a source of supply, b. a second conveyor assembly disposed to receive logs from said first conveyor assembly and convey said logs longitudinally of the lengths thereof, c. a log transfer unit pivotally supported at one side and operable to transfer said logs sequentially from said first conveyor assembly to said second conveyor assembly upon pivotal movement of said transfer unit in response to sequential movement of preceding logs along said second conveyor assembly to predetermined locations, d. a washer unit mounted in position to surround and wash said logs after they are transferred to said second conveyor assembly, e.g. cutter assembly mounted along said second conveyor assembly in position to move transversely of and cut said logs after being washeD into predetermined lengths, and f. power-actuated transfer arms dispose to engage and remove said predetermined lengths of logs from said second conveyor assembly. 